Merobruchus insolitus
This record describes Merobruchus insolitus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The salient characters that mark this species are the dark red body , elytral margins clouded with black, white basal pygidial triangle elongated into evenly tapered dart . (emphasis added) Type locality: Guatemala, near Guatemala City.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Merobruchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, se.US to Costa Rica - Map , uncommon in the US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Gaujillo - Havardia pallens (= Pithecellobium pallens ) (Fabaceae) - Texas Lysiloma watsonii (= Lysiloma microphylla thornberi ) (Fabaceae) - Arizona Fourteen additional hosts from Mexico southward
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Merobruchus insolitus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Merobruchus insolitus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Merobruchus insolitus
What is Merobruchus insolitus?
Merobruchus insolitus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Merobruchus insolitus?
Body length 2.9-3.3 mm; width 1.0-2.0 mm
How do you identify Merobruchus insolitus?
The salient characters that mark this species are the dark red body , elytral margins clouded with black, white basal pygidial triangle elongated into evenly tapered dart . (emphasis added)
Where is Merobruchus insolitus found?
Range: AZ, se.US to Costa Rica - Map , uncommon in the US
What does Merobruchus insolitus eat?
The diet of the Merobruchus insolitus includes Hosts: Gaujillo - Havardia pallens (= Pithecellobium pallens ) (Fabaceae) - Texas Lysiloma watsonii (= Lysiloma microphylla thornberi ) (Fabaceae) - Arizona Fourteen additional hosts from Mexico southward.